Chapter DHS 136

DHS 136.02(3) (3) “Autopsy compound” means an absorbent powder or gel desiccant used to preserve, disinfect and harden body organs after autopsy or the remains of a dead human body in the state of advanced decomposition.

DHS 136.02 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1980, No. 299, eff. 12-1-80.

DHS 136.03 DHS 136.03 License or certificate required.

DHS 136.03(1) (1) No person may embalm a dead human body unless the person holds a funeral director’s license, pursuant to ss. 445.04 to 445.06, Stats., or an apprentice funeral director’s certificate pursuant to s. 445.095, Stats.

DHS 136.03(2) (2) Embalming may only be performed in:

DHS 136.03(2)(a) (a) Funeral establishments holding a current establishment permit issued by the funeral directors examining board.

DHS 136.03(2)(b) (b) Hospitals.

DHS 136.03(2)(c) (c) Facilities approved by a local medical examiner or coroner if a disaster occurs.

DHS 136.03(2)(d) (d) Private homes as provided in ch. DHS 135.

DHS 136.03(2)(e) (e) Mortuary schools accredited by the American board of funeral service education or otherwise deemed to be equivalent by the funeral directors examining board.

DHS 136.03(2)(f) (f) Medical schools approved by the medical examining board.

DHS 136.03 Note Note: See s. DHS 135.05 for additional restrictions on preparation of dead human bodies.

DHS 136.03 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1980, No. 299, eff. 12-1-80; correction in (2) (d) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, August, 1995, No. 476; am. (1) and (2), Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97; CR 04-040: am. (2) (a) to (d), cr. (2) (e) and (f) Register November 2004 No. 587, eff. 12-1-04; correction in (2) (d) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register January 2009 No. 637.

DHS 136.04 DHS 136.04 Preparation of bodies prior to embalming.

DHS 136.04(1) (1) Prior to embalming, or prior to public viewing or final disposition of the body if embalming is not performed, the funeral director shall do all of the following:

DHS 136.04(1)(a) (a) Remove all clothing from the body and wash the entire body thoroughly with a germicidal soap or detergent;

DHS 136.04(1)(b) (b) Clean the body orifices and treat with a topical disinfectant; and

DHS 136.04(1)(c) (c) Perform pars. (a) and (b) in compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, 29 CFR 1910.1030.

DHS 136.04(2) (2) The funeral director shall return clothing removed from a dead human body to the family or other appropriate individual. Any soiled clothing shall be disinfected and sanitized before it is returned.

DHS 136.04 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1980, No. 299, eff. 12-1-80; r. and recr., Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

DHS 136.05 DHS 136.05 Embalming procedures. In every embalming, the embalmer shall perform at least the following procedures:

DHS 136.05(1) (1) Arterial injection.

DHS 136.05(1)(a) (a) For each 50 pounds of body weight, at least one gallon of arterial embalming fluid shall be injected into the arteries of the body. The embalming fluid should be diluted to the percentage of concentration recommended by the manufacturer of the embalming fluid.

DHS 136.05(1)(b) (b) Multiple injection sites shall be used if arterial circulation is impaired by:

DHS 136.05(1)(b)1. 1. Arterial blockage

DHS 136.05(1)(b)2. 2. Trauma

DHS 136.05(1)(b)3. 3. Autopsy procedures

DHS 136.05(2) (2) Treatment of body cavities. The embalmer shall treat body cavities by:

DHS 136.05(2)(a) (a) Removing liquids and semi-solids contained in the body by aspiration;

DHS 136.05(2)(b) (b) Injecting in body cavities at least 8 ounces of concentrated cavity chemicals for each 50 pounds of body weight except that no more than 32 ounces must be injected for body weight in excess of 200 pounds; and

DHS 136.05(2)(c) (c) Repeating cavity treatment if distension or purging occurs after reaspiration.

DHS 136.05(3) (3) Treatment after autopsy. The embalmer shall treat bodies after autopsy by:

DHS 136.05(3)(a) (a) Hypodermically injecting embalming fluid into areas where the arterial system has been destroyed by autopsy procedures;

DHS 136.05(3)(b) (b) Removing the visceral contents placed in the body after autopsy and immersing the contents in concentrated cavity chemicals or other accepted embalming chemicals for at least one hour; and

DHS 136.05(3)(c) (c) Applying an autopsy compound to the visceral contents following replacement of the contents in the body.

DHS 136.05 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1980, No. 299, eff. 12-1-80.

DHS 136.06 DHS 136.06 Treatment for advanced decomposition. Bodies in a state of advanced decomposition shall be embalmed according to procedures specified in s. DHS 136.05 unless the degree of decomposition prevents use of those procedures in which case the embalmer shall:

DHS 136.06(1) (1) Cover the body in cotton saturated with liquid disinfectant, disinfectant gel or powder; and

DHS 136.06(2) (2) Place the body in an impermeable disaster or body pouch and completely seal the pouch.

DHS 136.06 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1980, No. 299, eff. 12-1-80.

DHS 136.07 DHS 136.07 Partial embalming. If only partial embalming is requested, the body shall be prepared as specified in s. DHS 136.04 and only procedures authorized by next of kin or other designated persons may be performed.

DHS 136.07 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1980, No. 299, eff. 12-1-80.